THEY SURVIVED FIVE DAYS IN THE OCEAN CLINGING TO A COOLER

Daniel Guerrero Martínez (53) and José Luis Pórtelas (32), two fishermen from Tonalá, Chiapas, were rescued by the Mexican Navy after drifting in the Pacific Ocean for five days, more than 240 kilometers off the coast.

The men had set out from Paredón on August 14 for a fishing trip. They lost contact with land on Saturday after a large wave struck and sank their boat during the early morning hours. To stay afloat, they used a cooler and several gasoline containers as makeshift flotation devices.

During their five-day ordeal, they faced extreme conditions: no access to food or fresh water, and constant sun exposure that worsened their dehydration. A lack of rainfall prevented them from collecting water. "I thought I would never see my family again," Martínez said.

The rescue was made possible by a Navy operation dubbed "Trinomio," which coordinated an ocean patrol vessel, an interceptor boat, and an aircraft. The plane's crew spotted the fishermen as they tried to attract attention by waving a sack.

Both men were brought ashore showing signs of dehydration and are currently recovering with their families.